SLIM RIVER: A Bailey bridge will be constructed from Jalan Slim River to Behrang Hulu, which was temporarily closed to all traffic after the bridge collapsed due to a heavy downpour yesterday.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the construction of the temporary bridge is expected to take about five days to complete.
"The bridge collapse involved a concrete structure on a state road, specifically the Old Sungai Slim Bridge. The bridge is 77 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, located on Jalan Slim River - Behrang Hulu here.
"This main bridge connects Slim Village to Slim River Town and Behrang Town.
"The collapse occurred because the bridge could not withstand the pressure from debris (logs) carried along by the floodwaters," he told reporters after visiting the site today.
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of road users, the route has been temporarily closed, he said.
"The Public Works Department will also implement traffic management measures, such as signage, barriers, and other equipment, to provide advance warning that the area is temporarily closed.
"The construction of the Bailey bridge is expected to take five days to reconnect the disrupted route," he said.
Saarani also said the heavy downpour since 6.30pm yesterday caused two additional bridge collapses in Kampung Pasir and Kampung Sungai Muda, which connect Kampung Piong.
"No Bailey bridge will be built there, as villagers can use alternative routes to reach the town," he said.
When asked if there was illegal logging in the area, as logs were found in the river, Saarani denied the allegation, saying that the debris consisted of old trees swept away by the strong current.
Yesterday, scores of people were left stranded after a burst dam in Kampung Ulu Slim, near Kampung Slim caused a powerful surge of water, flooding their homes.
The burst dam, which followed intense rainfall, also led to the collapse of three bridges.